“Take the adventure, heed the call, now ere the irrevocable moment passes! ‘Tis but a banging of the door behind you, a blithesome step forward, and you are out of your old life and into the new!” — Kenneth Grahame, The Wind In The Willows
It is likely that you can speak from your own experience about the life-long benefits of a study abroad experience. You have an opportunity TODAY to help more students “take the adventure” and step “out of the old life into the new.”
The Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act was introduced in the House of Representatives in September 2019. Inspired by the vision of the late Sen. Pal Simon, the proposed bill creates an opportunity for colleges and universities to apply for challenge grants to support study abroad program. “We know that over 80% of college freshmen want to study abroad, yet only 10% of students study abroad before they graduate, and minority students are greatly underrepresented within those numbers. The Simon Program provides a path to correct this imbalance. “(National Association of International Educators (NAFSA).
It’s easy to take a few minutes to let your voice be heard.
1) Click on the JNCL-NCLIS link to find a description of the bill and three easy steps to support the sponsors of the bill and spread the word to colleagues and friends.
2) View the infographic at the NAFSA Connecting-our World page to find research and statistics that illustrate why a “quality education is a global education.” Share the information with students, parents, colleagues, local businesses, and other stakeholders.
This proposed bill is worthy of bi-partisan support. Our representatives need to hear our voices.
Be sure to stop by the Advocacy Table at the WAFLT Fall Conference for resources and materials to help YOU advocate for learning World Languages!
